Who Really Likes Packing Anyways?

Ah packing, my eternal battle. With 50 plus trips this year, my life seems to be an endless cycle of pack, unpack, wash and repeat. Often, the time in between trips is limited as well, which doesn’t help with the packing process. I often work best when I have time to rethink my packing choices and take a few items out before each trip. As a result this year, most of the time, my suitcase has been chaos and always pretty close to being overweight.

Luggage Problems

I knew I had it bad this year when a gentleman at the airport asked “Excuse me miss, what is in your bag, why is it so heavy?” This of course was AFTER I had removed two of my laptops from my bag. Don’t even ask why I travel with two laptops. Clearly I pack the kitchen-sink. I have this tendency to pack for worst-case scenarios rather than practically. You never know when you might need something right? Ugh.

Realistically, the potential for a suitcase being overweight when you reach the security checkpoint can be a costly one. I see it all the time. Passengers entering the airport with a ratio of 2-3 bags per person. I can take solace in the though that thankfully I’m not alone in this battle. However, most airlines are not as forgiving. Most charge at least $25 per checked-in suitcase, and this fee can be upped to $75 for an overweight bag. There are often additional fees for a second bag as well. You don’t want to be the person who is holding up the check-in line and has all of their belongings strewn all over the airport floor trying to make their bag fit the weight requirements. It’s not a great start to a travel day. That being said, I do realize that sometimes overweight luggage is unavoidable – depending on where you are going and the supplies you need. But, hey, let’s at least take the guess work out of it by knowing how much your luggage actually weighs before you get there – with a luggage scale.

Traditional Weight Scale

The Bottom Of My Suitcase

Lewis N Clark Luggage Scale!

Weigh Scale Challenges

Up until this year I would often short-cut things and use my bathroom scale to weigh my luggage. It worked pretty well if I was quick enough to step on the scale and then position the luggage on top. I would then try to quickly remove it in time to read the numbers. It wasn’t a great system but it did the trick. Even if it sometimes took a couple of tries. When my last set of suitcases gave out (too much travel I tell you!), I upgraded to a spinner wheel set, with the hopes it would be easier on my back at the airport. The only issue? THE WHEELS. The spinner wheels would not play nice with the bathroom scale. But fear not – Lewis N Clark to the rescue. With their portable luggage scale, all of my luggage weight issues faded away. Not only was I able to weigh oddly shaped pieces of luggage, but I now knew exactly how much my luggage weighed before getting to the airport. I was also one step ahead as I was able to play Jenga between my suitcases before arriving at the airport, and now I could save time and breeze through the airport check-in process.

How To Work A Portable Luggage Scale

And here is how the luggage scale works:

Hook the loop through the strap of the suitcase you want to weigh

Turn on the luggage scale with the power button

Make sure the scale is reading the desired units – can switch between lb and kg

Tare the scale to zero

Lift the scale up off the ground so it is free hanging

Read the numbers on the scale

Repeat steps 1-6 with any other pieces of luggage

That’s it – It’s that easy!

Take Me With You

As an added bonus – the scale is very light and portable. It easily can be tucked into your travel bag and brought with you everywhere you go. It’s a fail safe system – if you happen to pick up some purchases along your trip, you won’t have to be stressed out or surprised during the check-in process. May you never have to pay for excess baggage fees ever again!

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Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post, however I am a Brand Ambassador for Lewis N. Clark. I received a luggage scale in return for a review on them. All opinions are my own and are not influenced in any way.

30-something. Storyteller. Avid traveler and photographer. Cat lover. Carolynne is the the owner and founder of The Thirsty Tourist blog. When she is not traveling, exploring, or enjoying backyard adventures, she resides in Vancouver, Canada with her husband and 4 pets.